Sexual Assault

Changes have been made in the years since a 2018 lawsuit, but survivors said there is more to be done. The changes will not impact most of the plaintiffs, but many said their fight was about how the system serves people moving forward.

Senate Bill 8 and the state's so-called trigger law did not include exceptions for rape. Advocates say the bans not only restrict a survivor’s right to make important health care decisions, but they also add another level of trauma.

An independent research group found the department is promptly getting sexual assault kits tested and properly classifying cases, but that it could improve its response time to sexual assault reports.

Austin City Council members agreed Thursday to a settlement amount of $825,000, which will be shared with 15 plaintiffs.

On Monday, President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act, enacting provisions of the “I Am Vanessa Guillén Act.” The new law takes effect Jan. 1.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that Cosby's due process rights were violated when he was charged for a 2004 assault after prosecutors told him they wouldn't bring criminal charges against him.

The suit accused APD and Travis County of failing to investigate and prosecute sexual assault cases. Travis County settled the case for an undisclosed amount Tuesday.

A federal bill was recently reintroduced, proposing sweeping changes to the way the military investigates sexual assault and harassment allegations. Texas lawmakers are urging Congress to make it law.

AISD announced the training as part of an agreement with a former student who said the district repeatedly mishandled her sexual assault complaint.

Erin Martinson will oversee cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Garza said he chose her for her decades-long experience working with victims.